The Strategic Designer

Strategy is important, today more than ever. Design is so much more than color, type, and image: It’s a way to boost project success rates and determine solutions to problems. This book, very thoughtfully written by Dave Holston, doesn’t look very fun. In fact, it’s a lot of text. Not many images. But here’s the thing: this text is worth its weight in gold. It’s full of really great advice and strategies for thinking through problems rationally, using process to your advantage, building strong relationships, and increasing efficiency. This is a book serious designers should have on their shelves—it will help them secure a seat at the business table for good. I learned a lot editing it; my hope is that you’ll learn a lot reading it, and then put your newfound knowledge to the test.